Former Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka, along with Australians Jordan Thompson and Chris O’Connell, have been granted wildcards for the upcoming Australian Open main draw starting on January 18 in Melbourne Park. Wawrinka, who clinched his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2014 and has a total of three Grand Slam titles, will be participating in the tournament for the 20th time.
Wawrinka, a former world No.3, has a notable record at the Australian Open, having reached the semifinals in 2015 and 2017, as well as the quarterfinals in 2020. The Swiss player, aged 40, recently announced that 2026 will be his final year on the ATP Tour. Expressing gratitude for the wildcard, Wawrinka emphasized the significance of winning the Australian Open in 2014 as a career highlight.
Jordan Thompson, currently ranked 113th, will also be competing in the Australian Open main draw with a wildcard. Thompson, who made his debut in the Australian Open main draw in the same year Wawrinka secured victory, aims to progress to the third round, a feat he has achieved in other major tournaments.
Chris O’Connell, set for his eighth appearance in the Australian Open main draw, is looking to build on his previous third-round finish in 2022. After overcoming injuries and a shortened season in 2025, O’Connell expressed readiness and gratitude for the opportunity to compete in the main draw. The Australian player narrowly missed qualifying for the main draw at the Brisbane International earlier this month.
